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Journey's End ViDOC recaps the Halo saga
Again we've stumbled across some new Xbox Live Marketplace content prior to any announcement and this time it's a brand new Halo 3 ViDOC. W00t!The new Journey's End ViDOC is a 753MB download (only available in HD) and we presume to be available worldwide to all Xbox Live subscribers via the XBLM. In essence, it's a fifteen minute introduction to key Halo characters and a brief overview of what events occurred in both Halo and in Halo 2. And, since it is a ViDOC, it's sprinkled with the patented Bungie charm we've all come to love. So, if you're rather new to Halo or just want cliff notes on what has taken place over the past few years as it pertains to the game, then give the new ViDOC a watch. If, at the very least, it'll leave you salivating and want to pick up and play Halo 3 again.
Lawsuit targets MS and Bungie for 'faulty' Halo 3
A new lawsuit has been filed by a San Diego resident against Microsoft and Bungie concerning Halo 3. According to Information Week, the suit alleges the game "consistently causes the Xbox 360 to crash, freeze, or lock up while the game is being played." The plaintiff, Randy Nunez, also asserts the problem is widespread and that Microsoft and Bungie "have failed to recall Halo 3 or otherwise remedy its failure to function on the Xbox 360." He is seeking class action status and unspecified damages.We're not lawyers, but we don't think the problem is inherently Halo 3 so much as hardware issues that Microsoft has tried to address (to the tune of over $1 billion). Of course, he could be talking about scratched Legendary Edition discs, which Microsoft also took action to fix. It's hard to tell how these fancy schmancy legal proceedings will play out; perhaps the whole mess can be resolved over a friendly game of capture the flag.[Via GameDaily]
McFarlane's exclusive active camo Spartan figure
And you thought Todd McFarlane was so innocent, so pure only choosing to make Halo 3 action figures out of the kindness of his heart. Well, we'd hate to say "we told you so", but we did, because Mr. McFarlane is releasing yet ANOTHER Halo 3 figure this May available exclusively from his website. Newly announced today is a brand new Halo 3 Spartan figure featuring EVA armor and active camo (ooo ahh!) This clear figure will only be available through Spawn.com pre-orders and we're led to believe that if you don't grab a pre-order by December 12th, you'll miss out on a chance to own this limited figure. You can see what the new active camo looks like in the gallery below, check out the complete details here and get your pre-order over here. An exclusive McFarlane money making Spartan figure ... we told you so.%Gallery-7108%[Thanks, TMD]
Active camouflage Spartan from McFarlane toys
Expanding on their series of Halo 3 dolls, McFarlane toys started pre-orders today on the Halo 3 Active Camouflage Spartan figure. The action figure is modeled after the EVA Armor and will not be sold in stores. Pre-order registration begins today and runs through Dec. 12, the figure will be available in May '08.McFarlane also produced a set of Halo 3 controllers and a slew of other Halo figures. Wonder if McFarlane will come out with a Halo camouflage controller, which would consist of two clear pieces of plastic as the controller's body? Easy money.[Thanks TMD]
Heroic Map Pack FAQs: Satellites and Forging
Ever since the Halo 3 Heroic Map Pack was announced and discussed over at Bungie.net, we've been mulling over a few questions. Questions regarding some specific statements made in the Bungie.net article regarding how Forge will work with Foundry and if we'll be able to take our battles to the satellite dishes in Standoff. And thanks to Bungie super coder Archnos, he cleared up our Heroic Pack confusion over at HBO.Firstly, Archnos confirmed that Forge editing will not act any differently with new map Foundry. No weird object manipulation, no new options, it'll all be the same. What is different and unique is a few new objects and the fact that nearly every object within' Foundry can be removed or relocated. So, that's how that works. The other hopeful question we wanted clarification on was whether or not we could "play" on the satellite dishes in Standoff. Sadly, Archnos confirmed that the massive dishes were only objects out in the distance and cannot be "played" on, but missile silos will be fair game. And we can't complain about that, seeing that missile silos are badass in their very nature, but we'd love to hop around on a giant satellite ... it has become our twisted obsession. A very twisted obsession.
Today only: Halo 3 Legendary for $60 on Amazon
Amazon.com's deal of the day is the Halo 3 Legendary Edition for $59.99 USD, making it the same price as the standard edition, and ten dollars cheaper than the Collector's Edition. The Legendary Edition includes three bonus discs of Halo-related content, as well as the Master Chief cat helmet scale replica helmet case.To top it all off, Amazon is offering free shipping on the bundle. For sixty bucks -- less than half the bundle's original cost -- this is easily one of the best deals we've seen in a while. The offer is only good today, so if you've been holding off on that Halo 3 purchase for whatever reason, there are no more excuses.Hell, even if you don't have an Xbox 360, this bundle might still be worth picking up, if only for the cat helmet.Update: It seems that Halo 3 Legendary Edition is now completely sold out at Amazon. Condolences to those who weren't quick enough with their credit cards.[Thanks to everyone that sent this in.]
Canada: Halo 3 Legendary with Lost Planet for $99
Canadian fanboys. If you missed out on Amazon.com's $79 Black Friday Halo 3 Legendary Edition then we think we found a replacement. Over at Best Buy Canada they're offering the Legendary Edition for $99 (that's $50 off) AND they're also throwing in Lost Planet for free. It's not that shabby of a deal if you don't own either game and the helmet is uber cool. Though, we can't guarantee the Chief helmet will attract the opposite sex like we initially thought, but it will look darn good on your fireplace.[Thanks, xenocidic]
Get your yummy Halo 3 theme at a kiosk near you
After doing some Xbox.com surfing we came across a news piece talking about a Halo 3 dashboard theme. News that's not all that exciting by itself except for the fact that this theme is only available off of an Xbox 360 retail kiosk, is 100% free and is yummy delicious. Just take a look at each blade background, it's like Halo 3 theme heaven wrapped in bacon, stuffed with gold dollars and sprinkled with magical fairy dust. It's killer! Especially that media blade background ... raWr!Actually, after taking a deep breathe and looking over this blog, we're realizing that we just expressed an unnatural amount of excitement for a dashboard theme. Maybe we should take it down a notch. But the fact that, in order to get this (super yummy) Halo 3 theme, we have to find a 360 kiosk, stick in our memory card and download makes its appeal so great. Screw it! That's our goal for today. We're finding and downloading that elusive Halo 3 kiosk theme and nobody is stopping us! We want it and we want it now ... status update incoming.
Black Friday Giveaways (part 8): Limited Edition Halo 3 wireless controller
Ok everybody, here goes round eight. This time we've got a Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo 3 wireless controller (Brute edition with Todd McFarlane collectible figure). Ready? Here's the deal. We'll put up a gadget on the site, and you can only enter it until the next gadget lands (usually within a couple of hours). If you miss your shot, sorry, we're moving on to the next gadget. Good luck! Oh, and don't forget the rules. (Yeah, there are always rules.) Leave a comment below. That's it! Who loves you, baby. You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) You can enter different giveaways in today's Black Friday giveaways, but you can only enter this one once. If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine. Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers or US contest laws if you have to be mad. Winners will be chosen randomly. Entries can be submitted until the next contest goes up. After that we're all done. Good luck! Full rules can be found here. Last round's winner: Jonathan! (Remember, winners are selected at random.)
Black Friday Giveaways (part 5): Limited Edition Halo 3 wireless controller
Ok everybody, here goes round five. This time we've got a Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo 3 wireless controller (Spartan edition with Todd McFarlane collectible figure). Ready? Here's the deal. We'll put up a gadget on the site, and you can only enter it until the next gadget lands (usually within a couple of hours). If you miss your shot, sorry, we're moving on to the next gadget. Good luck! Oh, and don't forget the rules. (Yeah, there are always rules.) Leave a comment below. That's it! Who loves you, baby. You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) You can enter different giveaways in today's Black Friday giveaways, but you can only enter this one once. If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine. Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers or US contest laws if you have to be mad. Winners will be chosen randomly. Entries can be submitted until the next contest goes up. After that we're all done. Good luck! Full rules can be found here. Last round's winner: Greg! (Remember, winners are selected at random.)
Rock the Halo theme free for Guitar Hero III tomorrow
var digg_url = 'digg.com/xbox_360/Rock_the_Halo_theme_free_for_Guitar_Hero_III'; Like the Pilgrims and Native Americans breaking bread together, Microsoft and Activision are giving Xbox 360 owners something to truly be thankful for tomorrow: the Halo theme (MJOLNIR Mix edition, featuring fretwork by none other than Steve Vai) is coming to Guitar Hero III. Though the track was rumored to be included in Guitar Hero II (it wasn't) and fans took the situation into their own hands, making custom tracks (as evidenced by the video above), we have to admit we were more than a little disappointed learning it wasn't in the GH3 retail package. But now, thanks to the miracle of downloadable content, that wrong will be most certainly righted. How much will the privilege of playing one of gaming's most beloved (not to mention most rocking) scores in Guitar Hero III cost you? How does 0 Microsoft Points sound to you? Download the track here and brush up before tomorrow.
A new Area 51: BlackSite demo hits Xbox Live
Back when BlackSite: Area 51 was originally slated to be released in the same time frame as Halo 3, it was hard not to pull for it. It was like Rocky going up against Apollo Creed in the first movie, except if Rocky had crutches and was blind. But after it (wisely, we guess) relocated, it kind of just shuffled off into the pack, and the lackluster demo of the game certainly didn't help it build any buzz.Now, the game is vying for your intention once again with a brand-new demo on Xbox Live where you'll "battle against a strange insurgency through the streets and backyards of a small American town." We're still too swamped with this month's releases to give it a whirl. What about you?
Win Halo 3 machinima contest and be an MLG VIP
We may be just a bit late on this one, but If machinma creation and Halo 3 runs through your veins like an icy cold IV then boy oh boy do we have a contest for you. But, you'll have to hurry.Microsoft and Ziddio have teamed up (with MLG) for the Halo 3: A Call to Arms machinima contest. They're looking for the most interesting, exciting, pwntacular Halo 3 machinima / video and are more than willing to dish out the goods. Prizes including a 50" HDTV, Halo 3 Xbox 360 and a special VIP trip to the first MLG 2008 event. So, be creative, be quick, send in your video by December 19th and maybe you'll get lucky enough to win. We hear that VIPs at MLG get to sit in the trash talking section ... oh joy![Via Xbox.com]
Bungie talks Heroic Map Pack matchmaking
In an update to yesterday's Halo 3 Heroic Map Pack announcement, team Bungie posted a little Q&A about the new DLC including answers to the matchmaking confusion.Taking lessons learned from Halo 2's DLC (which noticeably split up the community into the "haves" and "have nots") all Halo 3 DLC will be dealt with in a more matchmaking friendly way. First off, Halo 3 will receive a special Heroic Map Pack playlist come December 11th allowing anyone who purchased the content to try out their new maps in its own space. Also, the new maps will be put into rotation in all of the current playlists including Team Slayer and Big Team Battle. How exactly will it work? Well, while searching for matches, the matchmaking system will take into account which players have the DLC and who doesn't and, when possible, plop in the DLC maps. Both solutions will allow for less segregation in the Halo 3 community when the DLC gets unleashed. You can read more Heroic Map Pack factoids and map descriptions after the break. On a side note, we're in love with Standoff already.
Study shows casual gamers interested in Halo 3
We knew Microsoft was aiming to bring in a more casual audience, but we didn't think that Halo 3 could be part of that hook. Nevertheless, a new study reveals that casual gamers are unusually interested in Bungie's triple-A FPS, which many would describe as anything but casual.The study, performed by the BrandIntel research group, looked at the appeal of both Halo 3 and Guitar Hero III across multiple demographics. While Guitar Hero III performed as expected, the BrandIntel report indicated that Halo 3 "over-achieved," with regards to the reactions garnered from casual gamers.This could simply be due to the game's gigantic mass marketing push, which admittedly made it hard for anyone to not be aware of the title. There could, however, be other elements of Halo 3 -- such as the open-ended "Forge" mode -- that are appealing to the casual sector. As seen in the picture above, we're still investigating any potential connection between Halo 3 and games like Chain Factor. We'll get back to you if we make any startling discoveries.
Halo 3 Heroic Map Pack announced and dated
Microsoft just sent out a press release announcing what we figure to be Bungie's super exciting Monday surprise revealing details about Halo 3's upcoming multiplayer map DLC.The Halo 3 Heroic Map Pack will consist of three new maps (Standoff, Rat's Nest and Foundry) and be available for download off the XBLM for 800 Microsoft points on December 11th. And later, in Bungie tradition, the DLC will become a free download in the Spring of 2008 when Bungie releases the second round of downloadable goods (more DLC confirmed!) But we're sure you're just full of map excitement and want to know more about them ... so let's get to it.The Heroic Map Pack consists of three multiplayer maps including Standoff, Rat's Nest and Foundry. Standoff is a mid-sized map set in a symmetrical valley with foliage, orangy colored boulders and bases entrenched on each end. It sort of looks Mars'esque in color and feel. Rat's Nest is the second map and features a labyrinth of passages, an indoor vehicle stomping ground and is said to be strongly influenced by the game's campaign. Finally, Foundry is billed to be a Forger's dream map that'll allow for complete customization within' the industrial warehouse. Boxes, ramps, staircases, walls and bridges can all be moved around in Forge with ease to create the ultimate Halo 3 map. Take a look at the gallery below to get a glimpse at what each has to offer.Also, we're sure Bungie will be chiming in today about the Heroic Map Pack announcement, give out some more factoids and explain how the new maps will fit in with matchmaking. Here's to seeing a new playlist featuring Heroic maps exclusively. W00t!%Gallery-10585%
Halo 3 'Heroic Map Pack' available on Dec. 11
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox_360/Halo_3_Heroic_Map_Pack_available_on_Dec_11'; If you've grown tired of traipsing through Snowbound in your desperate lust to eliminate squeaky-voiced, trash-talking cyborgs, the announcement of the downloadable "Heroic Map Pack" for Halo 3 should be just what the doctor ordered. A strange sort of physician that cures ills with video game news... it doesn't make a whole lot of sense, really. But! Let's focus on the facts: December 11th, three maps, 800 MS Points ($10). Included in the set are "Standoff," a symmetrical valley filled with "entrenched bases and fields of boulders" and, after about 10 minutes, enormous piles of heavily armored corpses. It's joined by "Rat's Nest," which is described as "an indoor vehicle paradise," and "Foundry," a Forge-friendly sandbox that's ideal for shifting stairways, bridges and tunnels to your twisted heart's delight. Build almost any kind of map you can think of, it says here. Additional fact: For the patient lot among you (admittedly not a great strategy in the game itself), the maps will become free on the Xbox Live Marketplace in Spring 2008 -- right before the next wave of maps is expected. %Gallery-10581%
Halo 3 & Mass Effect soundtracks release tomorrow
Auditory pleasure. The feeling one gets when listening to music that moves their inner soul and evokes emotions to the highest degree. It's the feeling one gets when listening to the harmonious melodies from Halo 3 or Mass Effect.Releasing to the retail arena tomorrow, November 20th are both the 31 track Halo 3 soundtrack and (just in time for launch) the 37 track Mass Effect soundtrack too. Both CDs are being released under the Sumthing Distribution label (the folks who put together Gears of War and Halo 2's soundtracks) and should cost around the average CD price of $14 or so. Auditory pleasure, it's what you'll get when you buy either of these musically enjoyable soundtracks.[Via Game Stooge]Read - Halo 3 soundtrackRead - Mass Effect soundtrack
Halo 3 Iwo Jima tribute and Assassins' Optimus Prime
We have a case of the lazy Saturdays today, so we figured we'd share two rather fun and delectable pictures with you. The first pic is the one you see above and comes from the crazily creative Halo 3 community who decided to re-create the famous Iwo Jima flag raising (high-res, thanks Halonut1) in Valhalla. It's an effort we feel to be tribute worthy. And if you're not impressed with flag raisings or Halo 3 then you should check out the Optimus Prime cameo in Assassin's Creed. We're proud to say that we had a geeky chuckle when we spotted it.So ends our lazy Saturday blog post of picture awesomeness, now you can go back to your regularly scheduled lazy Saturday programming. Goodbye.[Via Digg and Digg]
Bungie teases about Halo 3 news coming Monday
This week's Bungie Weekly Update talks mostly about Halo 3's upcoming multiplayer map DLC, but nestled in at the end, the almighty Lukester dangles a tempting piece of Halo 3 news in our collective faces. What a tease.Concluding the update, Luke mentions that since Turkey Day is next week there will be no podcast or Weekly Update posted. But, as a replacement for no updates, he hints at goodness that'll be announced early next week saying that "on Monday (November 19) folks are definitely going to want to check back in here at Bungie.net and keep faces pressed to their monitors like children breathing on school bus windows in November, because there will be news. Oh yes, there will be news."So, what could the exciting news be? We're thinking that since the Weekly Update focused on the upcoming Halo 3 map DLC it'll either be the announcement of the official map names, screenshots from them or just general details for when the new content will hit the Marketplace. We'll keep our faces pressed up against our monitors come Monday, we just don't want to be let down. You hear that Bungie ... don't let us down.
